Why cooking as a career?There’s a mysterious sense of theatre that has attracted me to this industry, but ultimately, it’s the human connection and instant gratification. The moments when you see customers smile, or find themselves reminded of a childhood moment – this is what brought me into the kitchen and keeps me cooking.

Two biggest influences on your career?My mother without a doubt. I grew up in a house where we cooked and ate as a family every day. It was incredibly important to my development. Paul Liebrandt was also important. We worked together for many years, so he has influenced how I view food, cook, and work.

Best early kitchen experience?Working in a small mountain town called Squaw Valley in California. It was simple, honest cooking free from social media, online reviews, and superficial values. We worked with local farmers and amazing fresh product. The flavors were heartfelt, simple, and thoughtful.

Most difficult ingredient to cook with?Lavender, one too many flower buds and your dish tastes like a bar of soap.

How do you keep in touch with latest food trends?Food trends are built on commercially driven marketing that rarely has anything to do with good food or good ingredients; just go to your nearest mall food court and look for the line.

Have you ever created an entirely new dish?In my opinion, there are only a handful of chefs in the last 100 years who can truly lay claim to such a statement. We are cooking food not curing cancer. Its like the Vanilla Ice vs David Bowie debate; is it really a new?

What’s tastier - Italian rice or Thai rice?Thai rice, it comes in many more varieties and textures that carry much richer aromas and flavors than most Italian varieties. However, Italian rice dishes derive much of their flavour from the ingredients rather than the rice itself.

Which restaurant above all others would you like to work for?El Bulli in the late 80s.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?Dream job, Champion F1 racecar driver. Reality, Sommelier or wine maker.

What’s next for you?I’m focusing more on Filipino flavors and including them on the menu at Bunker. Exploring my heritage and allowing those flavors to shine in my cooking is new for me, at least outside of my home.

Chef in focus

■ Born and raised in New York City, Chef Arnie, a Filipino-American, was classically trained in Europe, opened and worked in top New York establishments and spent a year in Italy where he not only mastered the art of pasta making, but committed himself to the Slow Food movement.His work experience includes the three Michelin stars Jean-Georges, as well as five other Michelin-starred restaurants. His passions are Japanese food, Thai food and revisiting classic Filipino cuisine.